Terms & Conditions

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The Pauling Institute700 12th St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005

Last Updated: March 7, 2026

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of The Pauling Institute's website and clinical services, including in-person therapy, telehealth sessions, and any related communications. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of our website and services.

These Terms should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Services

The Pauling Institute provides individual therapy, counseling, and telehealth services to clients in Washington, DC and other jurisdictions where our licensed clinicians are authorized to practice. Our services are intended solely for individuals seeking mental health and therapeutic support and are not a substitute for emergency care.

Nothing on our public website constitutes clinical advice, a diagnosis, or the establishment of a therapist-client relationship. A formal therapeutic relationship is only established upon completion of a signed client agreement and intake process through our secure client portal.

Client Portal and Appointment Booking

Scheduling, intake forms, and client records are managed through a separate, HIPAA-compliant client portal provided by our healthcare CRM. Your use of that portal is subject to its own terms of service and security protocols. The Pauling Institute is not responsible for the independent terms, policies, or technical issues of that third-party platform, though we take care to select vendors who meet rigorous healthcare privacy and security standards.

To protect the security of your health information, please do not transmit sensitive personal or clinical information through our general website contact forms or by unencrypted email.

Insurance and Payment

The Pauling Institute accepts both insurance and private pay arrangements. It is your responsibility to verify your insurance benefits and coverage prior to your first appointment. While we will make reasonable efforts to assist with insurance verification, we cannot guarantee coverage or reimbursement by your insurer.

You are responsible for any fees not covered by your insurance plan, including copays, deductibles, and out-of-network costs. Payment is due at the time of service unless a separate billing arrangement has been established in writing.

In the event of a billing dispute, please contact us directly so we can work to resolve the matter promptly and in good faith.

Cancellation and No-Show Policy

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be subject to a fee, as outlined in your client agreement. Repeated no-shows may affect your ability to schedule future appointments. Insurance plans generally do not cover cancellation or no-show fees, and these charges will be your personal responsibility.

Telehealth Services

By engaging in telehealth sessions, you confirm that you are physically located in a jurisdiction where The Pauling Institute's clinicians are licensed to provide services at the time of the session. It is your responsibility to ensure you are in a private, safe, and suitable environment during telehealth appointments.

Telehealth is not appropriate for all situations. In the event of a mental health emergency, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room rather than waiting for a scheduled telehealth session. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available by calling or texting 988.

Limitations of Website Content

The content on our public website — including articles, blog posts, descriptions of therapeutic approaches, and any other informational material — is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or mental health advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always consult a qualified mental health professional for guidance specific to your situation.

We make reasonable efforts to keep our website content accurate and up to date, but we make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information on the site.

Intellectual Property

All content on The Pauling Institute's website, including text, graphics, logos, and design elements, is the property of The Pauling Institute and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use any content from our website without our prior written permission.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Pauling Institute shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our website or services. Our liability for any claim arising out of or related to our services shall not exceed the total fees paid by you in the three months preceding the claim.

Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the District of Columbia. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Washington, DC.

Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website or services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

The Pauling Institute 700 12th St NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005